Anemone nemorosa A welcome harbinger of spring that blooms in April/May with masses of starry flowers floating just above low growing, deeply-cut foliage. At 4" tall, it's perfect for underplanting spring-blooming shrubs or taller bulbs such as daffodils. Given dappled shade and rich soil, they will multiply happily, but mark their spot, as they tend to go dormant in summer. Native throughout much of Europe and into Eastern Asia. Zones 5-9.

Anemone nemorosa ‘Alba Plena’ The white, double-flowered form of this charming, easy to grow and reliable woodland species. 6-8” tall, spreading by rhizomes. For shade with rich, moist but well drained soil. Zone 4.

Anemonella thalictroides (Rue Anemone) One to five upward-facing white to light pink flowers over fine fern-like foliage, 6-9" high. Will form tidy clumps and self-sow to form sizable colonies that will carpet the woodland garden with charming white blooms for many weeks in spring. Grow in part to full shade in reasonably fertile as well as moist soil. Zone 4..

Anemonella thalictroides ‘Betty Blake’ This Anemonella is sporting a brand new designer color! Fully double, light-green little pom-poms create an eyecatching stirr in the shady border. These haute couture beauties will appeal even to those gardeners withholding judgement on the merit of green flowers, especially since they hold their bloom for up to 4 weeks. 10” high. For shade with rich, evenly moist but well-drained soil. Zone 4.

Anemonella thalictroides‘Cameo’ Fully double light pink flowers that slowly fade to white. They can last from 4 to 8 weeks in April-June. This is one of the easiest to grow, it tends to multiply faster than most of the other double forms. Zones 4-8. 12 in. Moist well-drained soil. Shade to part shade. We are offering flowering size plants from divisions.

Anemonella thalictroides ‘Lloyd’s Big Bloomers’ This exceptionally large and robust form of the Rue Anemone is very long blooming, (up to two months), creating a very satisfying floral display. The upward-facing, white flowers appear over delicate, fern-like foliage. Forms a nice clump and self-sows once it settles in. Zone 4.

Anemonopsis macrophylla One of the Japanese aristocrats. This hard to find woodlander forms clumps of cimicifuga-like foliage topped with nodding, waxy lilac flowers in late summer. Likes a cool moist position. Zones 4-7. 3 ft. Shade to part shade, moist rich soil.

Arisaema candidissima A beautiful species of cobra lily from China with large, glossy leaves and a showy, pink striped flower. It comes up late in the spring and blooms late, not opening till late June. Increases readily and quickly forms attractive clumps. Zone 5.

Arisaema fargessi (Chinese Cobra Lily)A Chinese species, this plant has very large tripartite leaves and large maroon striped flowers that look like a cobra's head. It comes up late and blooms in late June to July. Will offset quite freely, forming a nice clump. Zone 5.

Arisaema sikokianum Best known of the Japanese cobra lilies, with white golfball-sized spadix inside a purple spathe. Mid-spring bloom. Cold hardy but needs good winter drainage. Zone 4. 20ins. tall. Part to full shade.

Arisaema urashima This species has broad, multi-divided leaves and a dark brown, whip-like spadix that snakes out of the maroon and white striped spathe. An easy plant to grow that will offset freely. Blooms in mid- May . Zone 5.

Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger) Bright green, geart-shaped leaves over unusual brown flowers at the base of the plant. One of our best native groundcovers, it is carefree and surprisingly drought tolerant. Also an alternative food source for the Pipevine Swallowtail. Zone 2.

Astilboides (Rodgersia) tabularis Amazing, large, rounded, dark green leaves up to 3' across! Very architectural and fanciful. Creamy white, astilbe-like flower plumes are carried above the leaves in June-July but the eye-catching feature of this plant is the foliage. Grows 3' high and wide. Requires rich, organic soil that's evenly moist but not soggy. Part to heavier shade is where they're usually sited but sun is ok as long as the soil remains consistently moist. An excellent choice for pond or stream side planting. Always dramatic and attention-getting and very effective combined with plants of contrasting texture such as Variegated Solomon's Seal, burgundy leaved Cimicifuga, and Japanese Silver Painted Ferns. Zones 5-7.

Cimicifuga japonica (Cheju Island form)This superior form comes from Darrell Probst and offers compact foliage and prolific flowering. In early spring, the foliage often emerges with a purple hue before turning green. In late summer, a single mature plant can produce 12-15 graceful white flowers spikes of, 4-5ft. tall. Very resistant to leaf spot. Zone 4.

Cypripedium ‘Aki’ This hybd. has very large flowers with light pink pouches and burgundy and cream streaked petals and sepals. Flower size and color does vary somewhat. It’s the first lady-slipper to bloom out here in western Massachusetts with C. ‘Gisla’ coming in just behind it. Up to 2’ tall. Zone 3.

Cypripedium kentuckiense x candidum The pouch is a glossy white on the outside with burgundy streaks along the inside ridges. The hood and tendrils are a dark burgundy, almost brown. The bloom size is about halfway between the two parents, making it close to the same size as a C. pubescens. 12-16 in. Light shade, cool, moist, rich well-drained soil. Zones 4-7.

Cypripedium “mix” This Lady-Slipper mix offers the chance to obtain this choice woodland plant at a significant saving. They’re younger, by a year or two, than the mature, blooming specimens that we offer, and they are only slightly smaller. They may bloom this year or they may wait until next year to bestow their sumptuous blooms on the shade garden. They’re a mix of named varieties.

Cypripedium reginae (Showy Lady-Slipper) Elegant rose-pink and white flowers in late May into June, often blooming for up to four weeks. Not the easiest of the lady-slippers to grow but really not that difficult if given the right placement: high open shade, constantly moist (but not wet) soil, with a neutral pH. Once established it can form large clumps and persist for years. Eastern U.S. Zones 3-8. 16-24 in. Part sun, moist rich neutral soil that does not dry out.

Cypripedium ‘Victoria’ (C. plubescens x C. fasciolatum) A striking yellow flowered Lady-Slipper with flowers that are larger than those of C. pubescens and more creamy-yellow in color. Long, pendant-like, burgundy tendrils contrast beautifully with the creamy-yellow pouches,12"-16" tall. For light shade with rich, moist, but well-drained soil. When purchasing a Lady-Slipper, ask for one of our handouts on Cypridedium culture.

Delphinium tricome New (Dwarf Larkspur) A lovely spring ephemeral that grows from a small corm and blooms with striking dark purple flowers in May. It’s shorter and blooms earlier than other native delphinium as it has adapted to a woodland environment. Eastern US native. Average to moist soil, light dappled shade. Blooms in mid-spring, 6”-18” tall. Zone 4 -8.

Disporum maculatum New(Nodding Mandarin) The most ornamental of our North American disporums, with two-inch nodding purple-spotted, cream flowers. The spring blooms have a sweet scent and the leaves add a nice textural element throughout the season. For part shade with rich, evenly moist soil,18”-30” tall, zone 4.

Erythronium dens-canis (Trout Lily) Early spring blooming ephemeral with lilac to soft-pink, six-petaled, reflexed flowers that bloom on 8in. stems over a pair of narrow, elongated blue-green leaves. Plants go dormant by early June and return The following year. A treasure in any woodland garden.

Gaultheria procumbens‘Very Berry’ An especially heavy fruiting strain of this favorite native woodlander. Grows 6" high by up to 2' wide after several years, forming attractive, low mats of glossy, evergreen leaves that turn burgundy in winter. Small white flowers bloom in summer and, though small, they have an irresistible charm as they nestled amongst the dense, glossy leaves. Flowers are followed in late fall and winter by pea-sized, bright red berries. If not eaten by critters, berries often persist into spring. For part to full shade with organic, evenly moist but well-drained, acidic soil. Can be grouped for attractive, small-scale groundcover, or used as specimens at the front of the shady border where their four season garden appeal can be fully appreciated. Good wildlife plant. Zone 3.

Geranium maculatum (Wild Geranium) Native from Maine to the Carolinas, a spritely woodlander around 1'-1½' tall with pink/lavender flowers carried on branched stems, above the foliage, April-June. In the garden, we prefer to let plants make their own way through self seeding, which they do to perfection, never failing to find just the right spot to highlight their understated charm. Long-lived and dependable in part to full shade with moist loam,(think woodland). Attracts butterflies, deer resistant. Zone 3.

Gillenia (Porteranthus) stipulata (American Ipecac)Large numbers of one-inch star-shaped white flowers on wiry red branches. Blooms freely late May through June with flowers generously distributed throughout, looking as though they'd been sprinkled down from above and gently come to rest on the branches without actually being attached. The effect is light and airy and unforgetable. Visitors unfamiliar with the plant never fail to exclaim over its special appeal. Habit is upright, vase-shaped, 3-4'. For part to heavier shade with average, reasonably moist soil. Established plants are quite tolerant. Eastern U.S. native. Zones 4-8.

Gillenia (Porteranthus) trifoliata (Bowman's Root) Large numbers of one-inch star-shaped white flowers on wiry red branches . Blooms freely late May through June. Plants have a sturdy, upright habit with a shrub-like appearance. When in bloom, the glistening white flowers resemble white moths flitting through the branches. This under-used plant not only adds shape and texture, but it also thrives in dry, shady sites. Eastern U.S. native. Zones 4-8. 2-3 ft. Part shade, garden soil.

Gillenia (Proteranthus) trifoliata ‘Pink Profusion’ Clear pink, star-like flowers bloom late spring and early summer over deep red stems carrying reddish leaves. Flowers are delicately held, appearing barely attached to the stems and at risk of taking flight on the first breeze. Plants seem almost shrub-like, with an attractive upright, vase-shaped, intricate network of slender but strong branches. For shade with moderately moist, organic soil. Both in and out of bloom, plants lend an eye-catching vertical accent to those often overlooked shaded areas. Zone 4.

Glaucidium palmatum A rare Japanese woodlander with large silky, purple-pink flowers over full, dense clumps of maple-like leaves. Blooms for up to three weeks in spring. From Hillside Nursery which has developed a particularly strong growing form. Begins blooming at a young age but the plants that we’re selling will take a year or two to reach their full, bodacious, mature size, 2’ high by 2’ wide. For cool shade with evenly moist, well-drained soil. Very special, a completely arresting sight in the shade border. Zone 3.

Hepatica nobilis (blue flowered form) This is the European form of Hepatica with deep blue flowers that emerge in early spring, followed by tri-lobed leaves. Hepaticas are among the loveliest of early spring blooming, woodland plants. Without peers in the charm department! Grow in light to full shade in rich, moist but drained soil with a neutral or higher pH. Zone 4.

Hepatica transylvanica Blue FormNew From the Slavic region of southeastern Europe, this early-flowering hepatica is a true harbinger of spring with its noticeably larger blue flowers and sizable, almost leathery, leaves. It’s fast growing and offsets freely. This is one of the largest hepatica species and the only one that has a spreading habit. Does best in shade/part shade, with moist, well-drained, less-acid, (higher pH) soil.

Hylomecon japonicumNew (Japanese Wood Lily) Rich yellow-orange flowers over pinnate foliage, blooming April through May. Can form large colonies but is not invasive. Native to the mountains of Japan, Korea, and northeastern China. 8”-10” high, full to part shade. Zone 5.

versicolor ‘Kermesina’ (Blue Flag Iris) This is the violet-red form of the Blue Flag Iris. Native, most often found growing in wet places, where it blooms in spring with violet-red flowers. Slightly lower growing than the species 2-3ft high. Adapts well to garden conditions but best suited to the woodland or naturalized garden. Zone 4.

Jeffersonia diphyllaTwinleaf White flowers in May followed by interesting pipe-shaped seed pods over large, twin, kidney-shaped dusty blue-green leaves. Forms nice clumps and is useful both as a specimen plant and planted in mass. Best in a moist site, but tolerant of both drought and root competition once established. Eastern U.S. native. Zones 3-8. 10-12 in. Full or dappled shade, moist humus soil.

Jeffersonia dubiaAsian Twinleaf Older plants can have up to 50 upward-facing blooms of a blue to lavender-blue that can be seen from hundreds of feet away. It's one of the first plants to bloom here every year. The leaves form after the plant has flowered. Easy in the garden, this highly-sought-after plant is suitable for even the beginning gardener. Native to Japan, China, and Korea. Zones 4-7. 10-16 in. Shade to part shade, garden soil.

Mertensia virginica VIRGINIA BLUEBELLS Shoots rise in early spring as the ground thaws. Flowers start as clusters of pink buds, then open up to bright blue bells. After blooming for several weeks, seeds ripen, and the plant begins to fade, going dormant in early July. Native to eastern woodlands. Zones 3-8. 12 in. Part shade, moist humus soil.

Paeonia japonica (Japanese Woodland Peony) I'm pleased to have this rare peony for the shade garden back on the list. It is a strong growing plant with gray-green foliage and single white flowers with yellow stamens. It blooms in May followed in late summer by bright red seed heads with dark blue seeds. These are 3 and 4-year-old plants. Zones 4-8. 18-24 in. Part sun to light shade, good rich soil.

Paeonia obovatavar. Willmottiae (Asian Woodland Poppy) A robust plant with large, single, white flowers with yellow or dark maroon stamens. Blooms later in May than P. japonica and develops the same beautiful seed pods that open to reveal a satiny red cushion nestling dark blue, bead-like seeds. The seed pods of both this variety and P. japonica rival their flowers for beauty. 30-40" tall. Grow in part shade in rich, moist but well drained soil.

Pinellia tripartita (Green Dragon) This is the better-behaved Pinellia. It will not invade the garden but, instead, it will offset and reproduce via seeds in quantities sufficient to maintain a presence. The green jack-in-the-pulpit like flower with long slender spandix comes up between three-part leaves and can persist for up to two months. 10-15” high. Zone 5.

Polygonatum ‘New Yorker’ NewThis is a stunning solomon's seal. It tends to send up two tall shoots at every root tip making for a very full clump. It also tends not to run very far from year to year, again allowing for a nice full clump. One other distinct characteristic is that all the stems arch in different directions making for a 'bouquet effect'. Could be either a Polygonatum hybridum or some sort of tetraploid. we’re not sure. Part sun to shade, moist to moderately dry soil. 2’-3' tall, zones 5.

Polygonatum commutatum(Giant Solomon’s Seal)The majestic arcs of P. commutatum grace the shade garden, and feature white bell-shaped flowers followed by attractive blue berries. Blooms in spring. A large natural tetraploid form. Eastern U.S. Zones 3-8. 4-6 ft. at maturity. Full or part shade, good loam.

Polygonatum lasianthum A very attractive Asian Solomon's seal from South Korea and Northern Japan. The small woolly flowers stand out almost horizontally on long stems, the better to be seen through the narrow lance-shaped leaves. Slow spreading rhizomes will form a large clump over time. 14-20" high. Zone 4.

Polygonatum odoratum ‘Byakko’ (White Tiger Solomon’s Seal)An exceptional Solomon’s Seal with a striking variegation pattern. The tip of the leaf is green, while the midsection towards the stem is white. The name ‘Byakko’ means “white tiger”, as plants often have a striped appearance. Tjhe color is better on larger plants, and best when grown in light shade with morning sun. Native to Japan. 1’-2’ high.

Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' VARIEGATED SOLOMON'S SEAL This plant has arching stems with paired leaves, white bell-shaped flowers followed by blue berries. Blooms in spring. The white and cream striping on this strong-growing form are what makes this one so popular. Native of Europe. Zones 3-8. 20 in. Full or part shade, good loam.

Rodgersia tabularis Amazing, large, rounded, dark green leaves up to 3' across! Very architectural and fanciful. Creamy white, astilbe-like flower plumes are carried above the leaves in June-July but the eye-catching feature of this plant is the foliage. Grows 3' high and wide. Requires rich, organic soil that's evenly moist but not soggy. Part to heavier shade is where they're usually sited but sun is ok as long as the soil remains consistently moist. An excellent choice for pond or stream side planting. Always dramatic and attention-getting and very effective combined with plants of contrasting texture such as Variegated Solomon's Seal, burgundy leaved Cimicifuga, and Japanese Silver Painted Ferns. Zones 5-7.

Sanguinaria canadense In early spring, pure white, 1½" wide, rayed flowers appear, last for a few days, and then are gone. Though one wishes they held longer, the flowers possess such delicate beauty that it's enough to enjoy even a fleeting glimpse. After bloom is finished, attractive round, gray/green, leaves increase, sometimes up to 10ins, across, forming tight, gradually spreading colonies suitable as modest woodland ground covers. 9-12ins. high. Grow in shade, in moist but well drained soil. Evenly moist soil becomes more important when plants are expected to perform as groundcovers through the season. Zone 3.

Sanguinaria canadense ‘Multiplex’ (Double Bloodroot) Double, pristine white, rayed flowers 1½" across in early spring. Flowers open bulging with petals, looking like small Gardenias. Their stay in the garden is brief, several days depending on the weather, but their exceptional beauty makes a lasting impression and leaves the gardener looking ahead to their reappearance next spring. The leaves are large, round, blue-green in color, forming attractive, dense colonies that are suitalble as shady groundcovers. 8-10" high. Grow in shade with moist but well drained soil. Zone 4.

Saruma henryi A ginger relative with downy heart-shaped leaves and bright, lemon- yellow flowers most heavily produced in spring and then intermittently through summer, 2ft. tall. Grow in shade with reasonable moisture. Easy to grow and a willing self-seeder. Zone 5.

Smilacina racemosa (False Solomon’s Seal) Bold, easy to grow woodland plants with graceful, arching stems similar to true Solomon’s Seal. Stems are lined with large, deeply veined, light green leaves and topped with showy creamy-white flower plumes in spring. Flowers are followed by equally showy, large clusters of berries that begin white and eventually mature to red. The 3’ tall stems spread moderately slowly and do not present a maintenance problem. Extras are easily removed. Grows in moist, acid soil in part to full shade, native. Zone 3.

Spigelia marilandica Long, narrow crimson buds peel back to reveal bright yellow interiors,(also cream and chartreuse). One of natures fireworks displays, stunning. Blooms in July from bushy clumps 12-16ins. tall and wide. Grow in moist, light shade. Very late to emerge in spring. Be patient, it’s worth the wait. Zone 4.

Stylophorum diphyllum(Wood Poppy) Mounds of deeply cut leaves. Two-inch yellow flowers, late spring. Very popular and easy to grow plant, great with Virginia Bluebells. Eastern U.S. Zones 4-8. 24-30 in. Full to part shade, moist humus soil.

Syneilesis aconitifolia Shredded Umbrella Plant Large, umbrella-like leaves, incised to a fare thee well with lobes reaching back to the petiole.Interesting from the minute they poke up in spring looking like mushrooms. As plants continue to grow, the closely folded leaves flare out to reveal their fascinating shredded form. About 2’ high. Easy to grow in part to full shade with evenly moist, rich soil. Zone 3.

Trillium recurvatum (PrairieTrillium) This is a long blooming form with dark maroon flowers. It has very erect stems and thin mottled leaves. It gets its name from the strongly recurved sepals that curve back against the stem. The form we're offering is taller than most and forms larger clumps once established. 12-14" tall. Light shade with moist to wet soil. Zone 4.

Triosteum himalayanum Though shrub-like in appearance, it is nevertheless an herbaceous member of the honeysuckle family. The large, rounded, fuzzy leaves provide a soft backdrop for the eye-catching clusters of gumball-sized red fruits that hold from late summer into autumn. 24” tall. Native to China. Grow in shade in garden soil of even moisture. Zone 5.

Uvularia grandiflora Soft yellow, elongated, bell-shaped flowers dangle from the upper portion of tightly clumped, gently arching stems. Blooms in spring, fragrant. Leaves are long and narrow, blue-green in season turning yellow in autumn. 16" high. Adapted to part and full shade with moist, neutral soil. A no-fuss, choice woodland gem that delights with charming, fragrant flowers in spring and then continues to catch the eye with its attractive habit and foliage. The overall appearance is reminiscent of the smaller Solomon's Seals. Zone 4.

Uvularia sessilifolia ‘Blizzard’ A gem of a plant for the shade garden with leaves that are mostly creamy yellow with specks of green scattered over the leaf surface. Only 4-8” high and does best in average, reasonably moist. Zone 3.

Vancouveria hexandra (White Inside-out Flower) Plants bear a resemblance to Epimedium with dense, Thalictrum or Aquilegia-like foliage on moderately fast spreading rhizomes. Curious, small, white flowers that are best appreciated close up bloom in spring. Requires shade and soil that's moist in spring and either continued moist or drying out somewhat in summer. Not often seen in Northeastern gardens. Makes an excellent shady groundcover that is easily kept in bounds if needed with an annual digging around the edges. Zone 5.